Take Our Survey

Contact Us

TAKE A PHOTO

ABOUT YOU

Do it your way

Welcome to our world and the journey. As you can see, we take ourselves seriously but not too seriously. And introductions are usually very dull, so you’re not going to get one, at least not in the traditional sense.

YOU is meant to be supportive, straight talking and fun and should help you get the best out of being gay, particularly if you’re starting out… or sneaking a peak. Getting the best out of YOU should be the same as getting the best out of life: do it your way!

And please let us know if you have any suggestions as to how we can make YOU better. And the search function is jolly helpful!

Sex, gender and sexuality

What does gay mean?

The word gay is most commonly used to describe people who are physically and romantically attracted to other people of the same gender (male or female). Simply put: men who have sex with other men, and fall in love with men; and women who have sex with other women, and fall in love with women.

While the word gay is used for both men and women, gay is usually used to describe men while women are referred to as lesbians.

Sexuality, sex, and gender

Before we get to sexuality (the gay bit, for the majority of you reading this) there are some basics we should cover first: namely sexuality, sex and gender. They are often lumped together when they are, in fact, different but connected components of who we are.

Your gender

Your internal and personal sense of being a boy or man, or a girl or woman

The way you communicate, behave and identify with others

The acceptance or non-acceptance of your ‘membership’ to society and attitudes and behaviours it expects of you

It’s not about whether you were born with a penis or a vagina.

Gender or gender identity is generally accepted to be a social invention and hundreds if not thousands of years old, depending on whether you want to look at more recent times or go back to the year dot. This means it does not exist naturally but rather is a series of ideas, rules, conventions, expectations which have evolved to enable society to work, and work better (if usually for the majority).

However, this may not reflect how you truly feel, behave, or define yourself so society’s categories or pigeon holes for what is masculine and feminine have always been acceptable for some while less so for others. If you haven’t already guessed, gay men are the ‘less so for others.’

Terms primarily used by the LGBT+ communities, male and female genders are also referred to as gender binary, binary meaning composed of or involving two things (male and female). Non-binary genders refer to any gender that does not fit within the binary of male and female, genderqueer, being an example.

The term is also used by individuals wishing to identify as falling outside of the gender binary without being any more specific about the nature of their gender. For example, a person might say “I’m not sure if there is a term for my gender but I know it’s non-binary” or “I consider myself as gender variant.”

Your sexuality

Your sexuality or sexual orientation is who you are attracted to romantically and/ or sexually

We should also include romantic orientation because we may have strong romantic relationships which do not necessarily involve sex, and where sex in itself is not necessarily the final goal or endpoint.

Gay and lesbian (or homosexual) if you are attracted to people of the same sex or gender

Bisexual or bi if you are attracted to both men and women

Pansexual is the sexual, romantic or emotional attraction towards people regardless of their sex or gender identity

Straight (or heterosexual) if you are attracted to people of the opposite sex or gender

Organisations and further information

Beaumont Society
As a UK registered charity, our primary focus is the transgender individual.
CliniQ
Holistic sexual health and well-being service for all trans people, partners and friends. We are a trans-led team, who offer a safe, confidential space for those who may not feel comfortable accessing mainstream services.
FTM London
Support for transmen and transmasculine people. FTM London is a peer support group for female to male trans people, including transmasculine non-binary.
Gendered Intelligence
To increase understanding of gender diversity through creative ways.
Gender Trust
For all those affected by gender identity issues. Information and guidance. No contact details that we could find.
GIRES
To improve the lives of trans and gender non-conforming people, including those who are non-binary and non-gender.
It’s Pronounced Metrosexual
Online resource about snap judgments, identity, and oppression.
TransLondon
TransLondon is a discussion/support group for all members of the trans community, whatever their gender identity (or identities) and whatever stage in their transition they have reached (if at all). However, all members must be trans-identified or questioning.
TranzwikiDirectory of the groups campaigning for, supporting or assisting trans and gender non-conforming individuals, including those who are non-binary and non-gender, as well as their families across the UK.

Same sex friendships and crushes

Throughout our lives, it’s not unusual for us to feel drawn to people of our own sex. Particularly when we are growing up, we experience very close friendships or crushes which are often not sexual. We also admire athletes and sports personalities, film and pop stars.

Finding someone attractive or handsome or stunning doesn’t necessarily mean you’re gay, and certainly doesn’t mean you’re odd or weird. For some of us it is an indicator that we are gay or bisexual and, in time, we go on to have relationships with people of the same sex. For others, feelings change and they find that they are attracted to the opposite sex, or even both sexes.

What makes us gay?

What makes us gay?

Lots of theories have been put forward as to why we are gay including:

genetic factors and brain structure

child rearing and overbearing parents

the society and culture we grow up in

Take your pick. Browse the Internet and you’ll find 10 more, some bonkers. Even today, theories are fiercely debated, new ones appear, while others fall away. The nature vs. nurture argument often takes centre stage though genetic factors would seem to be the front-runner.

More importantly, perhaps, does it matter? Or as Albin belts out at the end of Act I of La Cage aux Folles “I am what I am, and what I am needs no excuses.”

Genetic factors

In December 2017, the New Scientist reported reported that “…for the first time, individual genes have been identified that may influence how sexual orientation develops in boys and men, both in the womb and during life. Alan Sanders at North Shore University, Illinois, and his team pinpointed these genes by comparing DNA from 1077 gay and 1231 straight men. They scanned the men’s entire genomes, looking for single-letter differences in their DNA sequences. This enabled them to home in on two genes whose variants seem to be linked to sexual orientation.”

No one chooses their sexuality

One thing we do know is that no one chooses their sexuality. It is innate and natural to us. Some gay people knew they were different, if not gay, from as young as 5 or 6 while, for most of us, our sexuality is determined by our early teens. Some men have girlfriends, get married and have families before they realise who they are – coming out later on in their life, in their 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and even 70s.

Coming out to yourself

I know I am different

From the day boys are born, it is assumed/ we are told/ we learn (take your pick) that we are heterosexual, will have children with a girlfriend or wife, and will follow gender orientated work and career paths.

For the first 10 years or so of our lives before we start thinking things out for ourselves, most of us are actively encouraged to be heterosexual or straight whether it’s the clothes we are given to wear, the toys we are given to play with, the TV we are allowed to watch, or the male role model our father represents.

Even though much has changed in recent decades, this is underpinned by the ideal of traditional family life, still the backbone of many societies, reinforced by heterosexual stereotyping on TV and in the media.

But, and its a big but, assuming and reinforcing a person’s sexual orientation which has at least 1 in 10 chance of being something else is confusing and stressful, especially as we hit puberty when hormones rage and emotions surge.

Two stories for you …

There are many coming out videos online today but these thoughful stories from Tom and Kima are both powerful and moving.

It can be really tough when you have this feeling that you are different in some way, without the words to put your finger on it and a fear that if you try to talk about it you will we laughed at, not taken seriously or rejected by family and friends.

The bottom line is: this is the stuff of many many many coming out stories.

While the Internet provides a space where people can share their experiences, the path you take should be yours, and always be up to you. There is a massive difference between watching a few YouTube videos and thinking that being gay or coming out is easy peasy.

Yes, there have been noticeable improvements in the way British society views homosexuality but, while we can point at same sex partnerships and gay marriage (and a hurrah for gay bishops, politicians, and sportsmen) there is a long way to go before it will accept us in the same way as it does people who are, say, left-handed.

This has more to do with society’s hang-ups around sex and sexuality than with individual gay people. More often than not, once people know someone who is gay, their prejudices and fears about homosexuality disappear altogether.

Doubt and uncertainty

You don’t choose your sexuality, it chooses you. The journey to understanding and accepting this can be as quick as it can be slow. We may have been attracted to guys for many years before making a more meaningful connection or have only recently begun to question our sexuality as a result of a crush on a friend or a glance on the street that we can’t get out of our mind.

Doubt, uncertainty and questioning is not only usual and common, it’s also healthy. This doesn’t mean that everyone who questions their sexuality in this way is actually gay; some men explore same-sex relationships (or the idea of them) and then decide that they are in fact straight. Some people realise that they prefer people of the opposite sex, while others feel that they prefer people of the same sex. Some people realise that they’re gay later in life, and some know it from an early age.

Growing up gay

For many young gay or bisexual people adolescence can be a particular time of anxiety and fear and later may look back on this part of their lives with sadness and regret. Gay teenagers can become painfully aware that they are not like other people and many become withdrawn and lonely, convinced that only they are feeling this way. They learn to hide their true feelings or act as others want them to, for fear of being ostracised, ridiculed or rejected by loved ones and friends. Above all, there can be a sense that we are somehow different, that we are abnormal and that we are going to disappoint people.

Some people believe that if they get married to the opposite sex their gay feelings will disappear. It is unusual for this to happen. Most store up a great deal of stress and anxiety for their later years. Breaking out of a clearly defined role, or even attempting to shift the definition of it, involves tremendous courage and strength. The conflict between the relationship with a spouse and family and the need to be true to oneself can be enormous.

Check out our links (right) for support groups in London and helplines.

How many gay people are there in the UK?

A ‘one in ten’ per cent rule (10%) has long-held in popular culture as a ‘reliable guesstimate’ of homosexuality rates. With a UK population of just over 66 million, this means there would be around 6,6 million who are gay, lesbian or bisexual.

However, depending on who’s crunching the data, percentages (%) vary:

The Office for National Statistics claims that just 1.5% of people in Britain are gay, lesbian or bisexual

When analysing the financial implications of the Civil Partnerships Ac, the Treasury estimated 6%

Stonewall say 5-7% is a reasonable estimate

Public Health England concludes an LGB adult population in England of 2.5%, rising to 3.6% (Greater Manchester), 5.1% (Greater London), and 9% (Brighton and Hove)

Healthcare company euroClinix, found that 13% percent of respondents identified as LGB

Data for transgender and intersex people is absent from most survey and data gathering exercises though the Public Health England report said the report “specifically focused on the LGB population and further work is needed to include transgender and intersex people.”

Coming out to yourself

Acknowledging that you are gay can take days, weeks, months, years or, in some cases, never. Some of us probably hoped these feelings were ‘just a phase’. In time, we realise that these feelings are not going to go away and we have to find a way of accepting them and dealing with the fact that we are sexually attracted to members of our own sex. This realisation is the first stage of coming out.

There is no hard and fast rule when this point is reached. It’s your life so take your time – do things for yourself and only when you are ready. There are several stages in the process of coming out. The fact that you are here reading these words is a starting point in itself so we encourage you to read, browse and click away.

For some, it happens in their teens, for others it may happen much later in life. Some people describe this time of accepting their sexuality as being like riding an emotional roller-coaster. One day they felt happy and confident and ready to tell everyone; the next they felt confused, scared and relieved that they hadn’t. You may want to talk to someone who understands what this is like. It’s a nerve-racking time – the fear of rejection is likely to be immense.

Coming out stories

Story LGBT“We are a group who are, or know of someone that is part of the LGBT community. We know how difficult, inspiring, relieving, uplifting, and isolating the process can be. We created this space so people can share stories, in hope to make the process easier. We hope that the stories we collect will help these individuals come to terms with their identity and understand that they are not alone.”Story LGBT | Story LGBT

When I Came Out“Every day across the world, people are coming out — to themselves, to friends, to family, to strangers, as gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning. And every story is unique. Some are funny. Some are disappointing. Some are inspiring. Some are heartbreaking.”When I Came Out | When I Came Out

Coming Out Stories“Coming Out is a non-profit, open-source library of stories. We strive to be a leading resource for coming out education by building a massive, diverse library that is easy to navigate so anyone can find relatable stories.Coming Out Stories | Coming Out Stories (USA)

I’m From DriftwoodI’m From Driftwood aims to help LGBTQ people learn more about their community, straight people learn more about their neighbours and everyone learn more about themselves through the power of storytelling and story sharing.I’m From Driftwood | I’m From Driftwood

Coming Out StoriesA wide selection of coming out stories from the Huffington Post.Coming Out Stories | Huffington Post

“Amid the DIY digital age, it’s often difficult to remember the beauty of a 35mm film. Kodak teamed up with director Terry Rayment and cinematographer Kate Arizmendi to tell a beautiful story with a forgotten medium. The short film, “Understanding”, was shot with a KODAK VISION3 500T 5219.” Out | Glenn Garner | 23/12/16. “The film chronicles the relationship between a teenaged boy and his father as he struggles to accept his son’s homosexuality, speaks to the brand’s willingness to share socially relevant stories that have the power to spark change. Captured as a powerful and poignant slice of life, “Understanding” communicates the values of acceptance and equality.” Shoot Publicity Wire | 27/12/16

Coming out stories online

There are many heartfelt and thoughtful coming out stories. Here are a few which have caught our eye … a selection we pulled together in 2015 when we launched this website.

There have been a ton of coming out stories since then. Don’t be put off that some are a few years old as the issues are surprisingly similar across decades and generations.

However, we would like to make the point that you are not obliged to make a video. It’s not a required coming out rite of passage … and just because ‘everybody’ else seems to be doing it doesn’t mean you have to.

Coming out should be about you, on your terms, and your journey. So please think carefully before jumping out of the closet onto YouTube!

Coming out films

There are a ton of sensitively well-told coming out stories, and these are the films that have caught our eye. Sometimes you have to look past the ridiculously good looks but, hey, that’s film making. Don’t be put off that some of them are a few years old (!) as the issues are surprisingly similar across decades and generations. And if you don’t like subtitles: please get over it. It’s so worth it!

A gay college student, Austin, is hiding his sexuality from everyone in his life, until he meets Eric. Austin is instantly attracted to Eric’s comfort in who he is. When they start a relationship, Austin may have to choose between keeping Eric in his life or keeping his secret. Written by Ryan Beene, and directed by Luke Nelson and Sarah Flores, this gentle and intelligent is film is cut many other films of this genre which why we’ve embedded it. Great performances and a satisfying ending. The sound is a little uneven in places but bear with it. There is also project to produce a feature length film based on the film, more details here.

You don’t have to be into surfing to appreciate this inspiring and thoughtful documentary, which is why we’re giving it its own paragraph. “Two gay surfers unite to uncover the taboo of homosexuality in surfing. Together they embark on a global journey to speak with people from all corners of the surfing community about an aspect of surf culture that has until now remained hidden. As their journey unfolds, they uncover a culture of fear, secrecy and exclusion but are inspired to affect change by connecting people, provoking discussion and looking to the sport’s grass roots values of freedom of spirit and love for the ocean.”

Coming out to others

Coming out of the closet

When we disclose or tell others that we are gay, the phrase associated with this process is ‘coming out of the closet’ or ‘coming out’ as a figure of speech. Who you tell is really up to you. You may decide to tell your best friend or a member of your family. Remember, once you have told someone about your sexuality it can become known to others within a short period. This is human nature and there is very little you can do to prevent it. Be prepared to deal with any negativity that this disclosure may bring.

Where did the phrase come from?

The word ‘closet’ was first used to mean secret as early as the 1600s, but not in relation to a person’s sexuality. ‘Closeted’ also came into use around the same time and meant to keep something hidden or secret from others. ‘Closet case’, ‘closet queen’, or ‘closet homosexual’ began to be used during the middle of the 20th century to mean that someone was hiding their homosexuality from others.

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the first printed use of the term ‘coming out of the closet’ to describe declaring one’s sexuality, was written by Sylvia Plath in the January 16, 1963 issue of London Magazine. It is also believed to be the first time that these two terms were combined into one phrase, and a new meaning was born.

By the 1970s ‘coming out the of closet’ had come into common usage and ‘come out’ or ‘coming out’ was often used as a shortened version of this longer phrase, although ‘coming out’ can also be a reference to the social custom of a débutante coming out as mentioned above.

‘Come out’, ‘coming out’, and ‘coming out of the closet’ are terms that are now mostly used in reference to a person telling family members, friends, co-workers, or others that they are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. Our language and the meanings of words are constantly changing and evolving, just as our society changes and evolves.

Who should I tell first?

Many gay people describe how important it is to tell someone outside the family first. However, while there have been some moving coming out ‘live’ moments on YouTube we don’t recommend this is where you come out first. Make sure it’s someone you trust and whom you believe to be open minded and supportive.

Think carefully if you decide to confide in a teacher at school – they may be obliged to tell someone else what you have told them. Find out the school policy on confidentiality before you go ahead.

If you have decided to tell your family it may be easier to talk to one parent before the other. You could then ask them for help in approaching the other.

Sometimes brothers and sisters are a good starting point as they are likely to understand more about homosexuality or bisexuality. Make sure you understand why you are going to tell them. One of the best reasons to come out to your family is to become closer to them.

There are a number of typical responses that parents, particularly, are known to say:

“How can you be sure?”

“I went through a phase like this at your age.”

“You’ll grow out of it.”

“You haven’t tried hard enough with the opposite sex.”

“How can you know at your age?”

Perversely, at the one time you need support and acceptance you may find yourself defending who you are. It may come as a shock if whomever it is you tell may say the strangest and most hurtful things. Be prepared for this and perhaps practice answering the above responses.

It’s definitely worth thinking about how you respond to these questions before you tell anyone. You might find it helpful to discuss these questions first with a trusted friend or a lesbian and gay helpline or switchboard.

Things people say

When you come out to someone or say you are questioning your sexuality, people can come out with some rubbish. It usually comes from a place of love (yawn) but responses can range from the thoughtful and supportive to thoughtless and downright insulting. In no particular order, here are our top 20:

If you feel unsafe, can you stay with a friend or other family member (even if you don’t tell them why)?

If you are in imminent danger or in fear of your life call 999. No ifs or buts.

Daniel’s story

This is not an easy watch but straight guy Chris Thompson was reduced to tears after watching a shocking video made by 19 year old Daniel Pearce from Georgia, US who was abused by his family after he came out. Chris’s response is enlightening as it is moving.

Support for your family

This can be a difficult and traumatic time for some members of your family. You may feel unable to answer all their questions or to deal with all of the issues that come up for them. They, in turn, may not feel comfortable talking about homosexuality or bisexuality with you.

This can be a difficult time if your happiness is dependent to some degree on your family’s reaction. If this is the case for you, we would advise that you talk it over with someone who has been through it already.

Coming out bite-sized wisdoms

Be prepared that once you start to tell people others might find out quickly

Give others time to process – after all, you may have given yourself time (perhaps years) to get used to the idea

Be clear about your own feelings about being gay

If you are still having doubts, or if you’re feeling depressed or guilty, it may be best to get some support first, perhaps from a counsellor or telephone support line

Don’t come out during an argument or use your sexuality to hurt or shock

Get support before coming out from a local support group or trusted friend or relative

Don’t come out when you’re drunk (or have taken other drugs)

Tell them that you’re still the same person as you were yesterday

Have with you sources of support; eg: leaflet or helpline number

If you decide to tell school friends make sure that you can trust them and that they’ll be supportive

If you decide to tell a teacher or counsellor at school or college check out their confidentiality policy first

Extract from “Call Me By Your Name” Elio’s father speaks to him.

“You had a beautiful friendship. Maybe more than a friendship. And I envy you. In my place, most parents would hope the whole thing goes away, or pray that their sons land on their feet soon enough. But I am not such a parent. In your place, if there is pain, nurse it, and if there is a flame, don’t snuff it out, don’t be brutal with it. Withdrawal can be a terrible thing when it keeps us awake at night, and watching others forget us sooner than we’d want to be forgotten is no better. We rip out so much of ourselves to be cured of things faster than we should that we go bankrupt by the age of thirty and have less to offer each time we start with someone new. But to feel nothing so as not to feel anything – what a waste! How you live your life is your business. But remember, our hearts and our bodies are given to us only once. Most of us can’t help but live as though we’ve got two lives to live, one is the mockup, the other the finished version, and then there are all those versions in between. But there’s only one, and before you know it, your heart is worn out, and, as for your body, there comes a point when no one looks at it, much .less wants to come near it. Right now there’s sorrow. I don’t envy the pain. But I envy you the pain.”

You've told someone you're gay

You are either balancing on the edge of an erupting volcano or dancing with joy on the moon – or both!

Even if the experience wasn’t as you expected, people describe a huge weight being lifted from their shoulders, of feeling euphoric and giggly and childlike again. Don’t feel guilty about it – go on and enjoy yourself, you deserve it.

The thrill of revealing something long kept hidden can give a tremendous sense of relief. Use this new found energy wisely and remember that close friends and family may be worried that you have changed out of all recognition.

Reassure them that nothing has really changed, only their perception of you. In fact after a while they may even realise that the ‘new’ you is better than the ‘old’ you. Most people will experience many positive reactions. For example, ‘We’re so pleased you could tell us’ or ‘Well, we had already guessed and were just waiting for you to say something’.

Some gay people have also met with the response, ‘So am I’. Equally, if it hasn’t gone too well – don’t lose heart.

Time is a great healer

Time is a great healer and things will get better. If you are experiencing rejection from close friends, ask yourself whether they were really so close if they couldn’t support you through this important part of your life? If your family is reacting badly, this is normal. They may be experiencing a whole range of emotions including shock, grief, guilt, blame, disappointment and lots of pain. Remember how long it took for you to come to terms with being gay.

Many parents will feel a loss in some way – perhaps of future grandchildren or weddings and other family gatherings. This can blur their happiness and their love for you. Here are a few examples of how parents and family can react negatively:

“My parents refused to talk about it. They dismissed it and said they didn’t want the subject brought up again. I decided that I was going to continue to live my life as a gay man. I stopped going home as often as I used to and attending family occasions. It is only now, three years later, that they have begun to broach the subject with me.”

“My family say that they accept that I am gay but they don’t want to see me being affectionate with another man. They say that they won’t be able to cope with it.”

“I was at a wedding recently and everyone was there with their partners. I was upset that I couldn’t bring mine. Everyone asked the usual embarrassing questions about girlfriends and I just had to smile and make excuses. I didn’t want to row with my family about it, but it’s just not fair.”

At the end of the day, your parents are still your parents and, in time, few reject their children because they are gay. If they go quiet on you, give them time to react and think about what you have told them. If they ask lots of questions, it’s a good sign. It may help to think of it as though it is in your interests to respond to them – they are likely to be the same ones that you have asked yourself many times along the way.

If things are so bad that you feel like giving up with the whole process of coming out, it’s important to talk to someone about your fears and concerns. It’s probably better to persevere and keep going – after all, you have come this far and in many ways it would be difficult or impossible to go back now. The next person you talk to will probably give you a huge hug and say that they were relieved that you had found the courage to tell them, and that they had suspected that something may have been on your mind for a long time.

“It wasn’t easy telling my family that I’m gay. I made my carefully worded announcement at Thanksgiving. It was very Norman Rockwell. I said, “Mom, would you please pass the gravy to a homosexual?’ She passed it to my father. A terrible scene followed.”

When shall I tell them?

As with everything in life, timing is everything. Choose the moment carefully – do it when you (and they) have lots of time – not last thing at night when you are likely to be more tired and emotional. Think about the way you are feeling, allowing for nerves, which are perfectly natural under the circumstances.

Don’t do it if you are feeling angry or emotionally sensitive – this will affect what you say and how you say it. For obvious reasons don’t do it when you are drunk (even if you think you need a drink to steady your nerves). And remember – only when you are good and ready.

A friend once said that he knew he was ready to tell his family only when he realised that, if he had to, he could live without their support. Fortunately for him (and his family) this didn’t happen.

Telling someone you're gay

There is no rule that says you have to sit down and talk to others about this; there are other ways. You might like to write to people first and give them time to react in their own way. This is probably a better approach if, for example, you live a long way from your family or friends. Remember that you have probably taken a long time to get used to the idea yourself, and others might need the same amount of time.

Writing a letter allows you to take your time and to compose your thoughts carefully and clearly. It can also give the person you are writing to space to react and consider the news before discussing it with you. This could be a useful approach if you are expecting a hostile or negative reaction.

If you decide to talk face to face, remember not to rush it or to do it when one of you is in a hurry or distracted. It probably won’t help to memorise a script either – you can guarantee that some people do not respond in a predictable manner. If you are worried about their reaction, tell them of your fears and that you don’t want to hurt them but need to be honest with them.

Remember to listen to what they have to say – it should be along the lines of a chat; try not to make it a speech or a performance!

Your doctor and dentist

A friendly, understanding, doctor (GP) or dentist can be hard to find, but they are vital parts of maintaining our health. Of course, when we’re younger we like to think of ourselves as invincible but finding one urgently can be hard if you’re not registered.

Even in the 21st century, responses from GPs and dentists that you are gay can be positive and negative, but less negative these days. You may wish to consider telling them about your sexuality once you feel you can trust them, though, in the meantime, this may affect the treatment you receive.

If you’re looking to register with a GP, consider phoning up anonymously first to ask whether they are ‘gay-friendly’ and gauge what they have to say. You will most likely get the “all the doctors are professional” response but go with your gut feeling and don’t be afraid to ask questions. You will most likely speak to a receptionist but if would like someone more senior you can ask to speak to the practice manager.

Disclosing your sexuality to your GP or dentist may mean that it is recorded on your medical notes. Medical records can be accessed by a range of organisations including life insurers, which can raise the whole question of HIV and testing.

However, bottom line, we do recommend that you do at least register with a GP … never know when you might need one!

Coming out in the forces

The journey to allow LGBT people to serve in the British military has been a long one. In the late 90s Stonewall spearheaded the movement to rescind British military prohibitions against openly lesbian, gay and bisexual service members. It took over 10 years to achieve this but the ban was lifted in 2000 when a new general code of sexual conduct was introduced.

Scroll through armed forces multimedia media platforms today and they are keen to promote good working conditions for all existing and potential LGBT employees and ensure equal treatment. However, the reality can be very different. For example, if you have come out but are then the victim of bullying then approaching your commanding officer (CO) is unlikely to impress fellow serving soldiers. Challenging underlying cultural and attitudinal values that allow discrimination to flourish simply doesn’t change over night, so without diminishing the significant steps the armed forces have taken in recent years it will take time.

Proud 2 Serve provides support, information and networking to LGBT persons serving, ex-serving personnel and their families both at home and abroad. It is a little disappointing there is not more consistency across the Armed Forces as it would appear the Army has a website, the Royal Air Force has a Facebook page, while the Royal Navy (only) has a news article.

Coming out at work

Some of us prefer not to discuss our personal lives at work – it’s got nothing to do with why we’re there and it’s as straightforward as that. However, human nature being what it is, colleagues often guess or find out, particularly if you don’t talk about ‘her’ or get involved in the ‘who shagged who on Saturday night’ office gossip. For other guys, feeling able to be themselves and chat about what they did at the weekend – perhaps with a boyfriend – is an important part of who they are.

While it may be possible to gauge the kind of response you’ll get, the only way to find out for certain is to come out again – but, in this instance, to the people you work with. Furthermore, there are some circumstances where coming out can seriously affect your job security and promotion prospects. The bottom line is being careful and seeking advice first.

Unions

In a nutshell, trade unions represent people at work. They protect their members, making sure that workplaces are safe, and that pay is fair. For these reasons join one, but particularly if you experience discrimination, harassment or unfavourable treatment at work. There are many trade unions in the UK but here are a handful you may have heard of:

Unite is Britain’s biggest union with 1.42 million members in every type of workplace

Unison represents public services staff, although they may be employed in both the public and private sectors

What's next?

You’ve reached the end of our section on COMING OUT. We hope it’s been an interesting and helpful read.

There comes a time to stop talking (or reading for that matter) and get on with living your (new) life exactly how you want to.

There comes a time to start meeting other gay people and to explore your sexuality safely and confidently. A common reaction to this statement, especially if you don’t live in a city is “Fine – but where do I start?”

Remember that being gay is about expressing yourself in the way you want to. And just because you’ve come out doesn’t automatically mean you have to have sex. The important thing is you take your time until you feel the time is right for you.

Despite the stereotypes, there is no single way of being gay. We are all as different as any other group of people. Going out with friends and meeting new ones at clubs or parties can be great. But the scene isn’t for everybody and it’s not everything there is to being gay.

As with any group of people, there will be some you get on with and some you don’t. If you feel that you have little in common with the gay people you have met so far, you could try different ways of contacting more gay men; take a look at our Activities section.

Heteronormativity

Heteronormativity is the way that heterosexuality (or being ‘straight’) is seen as the norm, or in some cases the superior. It is the bias expressed by a society that can be obvious, but which is often subtle and pervasive, whereby individuals are conditioned to expect others to live and behave as if everyone were heterosexual.

Like sexism, heteronormativity is firmly entrenched in the prevailing customs, traditions and institutions of society and often leads to the neglect of issues facing gay men and lesbians. Heterosexuality also leads to the dilemma of whether to hide the fact you are gay or to make a decision to ‘come out’, with all that this entails. Homophobia feeds on heteronormativity, and both can be equally damaging. When services are heteronormative they can, at best, prevent the needs of our community being met and, at worst, cause someone to become disenfranchised or isolated. Examples could include our presumptions about family life (“You met that special woman yet?”) or prevent access to core services we all need (“What do you mean you were raped?”).

Heteronormativity and homophobia within society create an atmosphere where gay men can feel less valued and more vulnerable than their heterosexual counterparts. While landmark legislation in recent years now plays an important part in setting out what it is people can say and do, there remains a mismatch between what the law states and how people actually behave and treat gay men, and other individuals from the LGBT community.

SWITCHBOARD LGBT+ HELPLINE 0300 330 0630

Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline

Welcome to Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline, a place for calm words when you need them most. They are here to help you with whatever you want to talk about. They understand how anxious you might feel before you pick up the phone.

2019 marks the 45th birthday of Switchboard, a pioneering support organisation that began in the rooms above Housmans Bookshop, Kings Cross, London. Switchboard was founded in March 1974 as the London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard, providing help and information to London’s gay community, particularly in the aftermath of the partial decriminalisation of male homosexuality in 1967. In the 1980s, Switchboard was the leading source of information on HIV/AIDS, with some of Switchboard’s volunteers amongst the founding members of the Terrence Higgins Trust.

Switchboard rebranded to its current name in 2015 to emphasise inclusion for persons of all sexual orientation and gender identities, and that its services are not limited to London. Today, it has expanded considerably to more than 30,000 callers each year, and now also provides support through email and instant messaging. Switchboard provides a listening service for people to discuss their feelings in an impartial and non-judgmental way, as well as information and advice for going out in London and the UK. Switchboard also operates an internet database of LGBT+ organisations in the UK known as “queery”.

COMING OUT SUPPORT

Coming out support

Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline
Welcome to Switchboard, a place for calm words when you need them most. We’re here to help you with whatever you want to talk about. We understand how anxious you might feel before you pick up the phone.
0300 330 0630 | 10am-10pm every day
LLGS PO Box 7324, London N1 9QS

LGBT FoundationLGBT Foundation
We all need information and support from a friend in the know and LGBT Foundation’s Helpline Service provides thousands of hours of advice and support to thousands of people every year.
0300 330 0630 | 10am-10pm every day
LGBT Foundation, 5 Richmond Street, Manchester M1 3HF

Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (FFLG)Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (FFLG)
Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (FFLAG) is a national voluntary organisation dedicated to supporting parents and their lesbian, gay and bisexual daughters and sons.
0845 652 0311 | FFLAG, PO Box 495, Little Stoke, Bristol, BS34 9AP

Albert Kennedy TrustAlbert Kennedy Trust
Supports up to the age of 25, who are (or think you might be) lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or intersex, homeless, sofa-surfing or living in crisis and/ or living in a violent , hostile or abusive home.
For more click here

ChildlineChildLine
Private and confidential service for children and young people up to the age of 19. You can contact a ChildLine counsellor about anything – no problem is too big or too small. Call them free, have a 1-2-1 chat online or send an email. Go to their website for more.
0800 1111 | Always open

Groups for people questioning their sexuality, coming out, support, and gay youth groups have all but disappeared in London these days. A sign of the times, a lack of funding or maybe men don’t want or need them any more.

PRIDE AND GAY PRIDE

Gay Pride

What is gay pride?

“Gay pride or LGBT pride is the positive stance against discrimination and violence toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people to promote their self-affirmation, dignity, equality rights, increase their visibility as a social group, build community, and celebrate sexual diversity and gender variance.” It’s also what you want to make it!

“It might be easy to see the increased visibility of queer people in our culture as a sign of progress. And it is, but it’s not enough. There are more and more queer characters on our TV shows and in our movies. LGBTQ movies are finally getting the recognition they deserve—with mainstream media attention and darlings of the award circuit.

But it’s not enough. There are still gay “purges” in Chechnya. Beirut was just forced to cancel what would be the Arab world’s only LGBT pride. You can still be fired in many USA states and cities simply for being gay or lesbian. And there are hundreds more stories about LGBTQ inequalities around the world.”

“The history of the gay rights movement in the USA is usually dated to 1969, when the patrons of a New York City bar fought back against a discriminatory police raid. At the time, homosexuality — or “sodomy,” as it was referred to in the legal books — was still a crime. Men could be arrested for wearing drag, and women faced the same punishment if they were found wearing less than three pieces of “feminine clothing.” The harassment continued for years, infuriating the gay community. On June 28, 1969, the police arrived at the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village. However, the 200 patrons inside didn’t just sit down and wait to be arrested — they resisted, then rioted, sending the police a loud and clear message about their frustration with the status quo for LGBT individuals. If you ever wondered why Pride month takes place in June, now you know that it’s not just because of the generally pleasant weather. It’s historically relevant, too!”

“Pride has been organised by several organisations since the first official UK Gay Pride Rally which was held in London on 1 July 1972 (chosen as the nearest Saturday to the anniversary of the Stonewall riots of 1969) with approximately 2,000 participants.

The first marches took place in November 1970 with 150 men walking through Highbury Fields in North London. The controversy of Section 28 from 1988 led to numbers increasing on the march in protest. In 1983 the march was renamed “Lesbian and Gay Pride” and in the 1990s became more of a carnival event, with large park gatherings and a fair after the marches. For 1996, following a vote by the members of the Pride Trust, the event was renamed “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride” and became the largest free music festival in Europe.”

“Pride in London (formally known as Pride London) celebrates the diversity of the LGBT (lesbian, gays, bisexual, trans+) community with the colorful Pride in London Parade, as well as the free festivity events that take place in the Trafalgar Square. This event brings together thousands of people of all genders, ethnicities, sexualities, and also many people of different races. It is one of the longest running in the country and attracts an estimated one million visitors to the city. The festival’s events and location within London vary every year however the Pride parade is the only annual event to close London’s iconic Oxford Street. London’s 2015 Gay Pride Parade through the streets of London attracted 1 million people making it the 7th largest gay event in the world and the largest Gay Pride Parade and Gay event ever held in the UK.”

Pride, the film, is inspired by an extraordinary true story. It’s the summer of 1984, Margaret Thatcher is in power and the National Union of Mineworkers is on strike, prompting a London-based group of gay and lesbian activists to raise money to support the strikers’ families. Initially rebuffed by the Union, the group identifies a tiny mining village in Wales and sets off to make their donation in person.

GAY’S THE WORD

Gay's the Word

While you may instinctively reach for Amazon we urge you to visit your local bookshop instead. For those of you visiting or if you live in London Gay’s the Word bookshop is a must go to destination. Two minutes walk from Russell Square tube station, it’s is the only specifically lesbian and gay book store in the UK. And here’s your map. It recently appeared as a primary location in the film Pride which, BTW, we thought was rather good. Gay’s the Word is also on Facebook with books, events and news.

Homage | Three Flying Piglets
Made by GMHC volunteers, a fond homage to Gay’s the Word which marks its 40th Anniversary in January 2019.

If you are HOMELESSContact your local council. If you are calling out of office hours, use the emergency contact number on your council’s website. If there is no emergency service, contact your neighbouring council.

No second night outNo Second Night Out (NSNO) focuses on helping those who find themselves rough sleeping on the streets of London for the first time. It will ensure there is a rapid response to new rough sleepers, and will provide an offer that means they do not have to sleep out for a second night..

If you are concerned about someone sleeping roughIf you are concerned about someone sleeping rough in England or Wales, you can use this website to send an alert to StreetLink. The details you provide are sent to the local authority or outreach service for the area in which you have seen the person, to help them find the individual and connect them to support.

Housing

Whether we’re looking for a pad, a bijou flat, or a show home, most of us want a place we can call our own. It‘s where we eat, sleep, relax, invite friends and have sex so, in many ways, it’s the cornerstone of our lives.

When we’re younger, we tend to move around but we still need a base but, as we get older, many of us want a home whether we’re by ourselves, living in a house or getting to grips with living with someone.

Some of us are forced to leave the family home or have found ourselves in vulnerable and/ and dangerous situations which is why LGBT+ organisations like the Albert Kennedy Trust and Stonewall Housing are needed, today more than ever.

Housing and homelessness are complex (way above our pay-grade at MEN R US) so apart from some tips if you’re looking to rent we’ve pulled together details of specialist organisations who should be able to help if/ when you need it.

“Every year, thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people contact Stonewall Housing for help and advice. Most tell us that the housing problems they’re facing are related to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Today, many more LGBT people are having to rent their homes from a private landlord, thanks to a lack of affordable housing and because local authorities have a requirement to discharge their duty to house only the people in most acute need. But how safe is the private rented sector for LGBT people?

For many, it simply isn’t. Even though LGBT people living in private rental accommodation are more likely to be in full-time employment, more than 40% tell us they still feel insecure in their homes or are facing eviction. Sexual orientation and gender identity are not just private issues, they are at the core of someone’s identity. Unfortunately, LGBT people still face daily harassment and abuse simply because of who they are. Sometimes, that abuse comes from a landlord.

Gay residents may also face discrimination from neighbours or those who they share a home with. They may have to deal with inappropriate language from letting agents, and landlords have even told potential renters that they are not welcome because they may upset other tenants.

Safety is one issue, and security of tenure is another. Tenancy agreements tend to be weighted in favour of the landlord: for LGBT tenants, this can mean their housing is even more insecure. If an LGBT tenant is being abused, and is unable to leave because of the length of notice period, they can become effectively imprisoned within their home.”

Stonewall Housing

Stonewall Housing is the specialist lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) housing advice and support provider in England. It provides housing support for LGBT people in their own homes, supported housing for young LGBT people, as well as free, confidential housing advice for LGBT people of all ages. It also researches and lobbies for LGBT housing rights, so that all LGBT people can feel safe and secure in their homes.

020 7359 5767 (10am-1pm, Monday – Friday)
Outside of these hours please complete an online referral here and you will be called back. Please remember to leave a contact phone number. No advice is given at the office address below without an appointment.

Advice services

Stonewall Housing gives advice about different housing related issues to hundreds of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people every year. It understands what you, or your friends, might be experiencing. So if you need advice, contact them. You can phone them, or you can come along to one of their drop-in surgeries. Some of the housing issues include:

if you’re homeless or at risk of becoming homeless

if your relationship with your family has broken down because of your sexual orientation or gender identity

Phone the Advice Line on 020 7359 5767 for confidential advice, open every weekday between 10 am and 1pm. When you first call, you’ll give you time to explain what your problem is. You might need some basic advice, or some in-depth help.

Downloads and fact sheets

Stonewall Housing has a range of downloads and fact sheets, including:

The Outside Project

The Outside Project is a homeless/ crisis shelter and community centre in response to those within the LGBTIQ+ community who feel endangered, who are homeless, ‘hidden’ homeless and feel that they are on the outside of services due to historical and present prejudice in society and in their homes. The prpject is comprised of LGBTIQ+ colleagues, friends and activists who work in the homeless sector and have lived experience of homelessness and the unique, complex issues the community faces.

Albert Kennedy Trust

Supports up to the age of 25, who are (or think you might be) lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or intersex, homeless, sofa-surfing or living in crisis and/ or living in a violent, hostile or abusive home.

Albert Kennedy Trust is the national LGBT youth homelessness charity; focused on prevention and early action. It provides safe homes, mentoring, training, advocacy and support to young people who are homeless or living in a hostile environment after coming out to their parents, caregivers and peers.

Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice aims to provide the advice people need for the problems they face and improve the policies and practices that affect people’s lives. It provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities. Citizens Advice values diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination.

Housing issues will always arise and therefore you need to know your rights and responsibilities. You could also find yourself threatened with eviction if you can’t cope with your mortgage payments. These links to Citizens Advice pages you can find information about how to go about renting or buying a home or just finding somewhere to live. You can also find advice on handling problems with your landlord and help to avoid losing your home.

Finding accommodationHousing options for people leaving the Armed Forces, veterans and their familiesInformation for people who are about to leave the armed forcesSquattingNational Homelessness Advice Service (NHAS) information

National Homelessness Advice Service (NHAS) informationRenting from a private landlordRenting from a social housing landlordRepossession by your landlord’s mortgage lenderStudent housingSubletting and lodgingTenancy agreements

Overview of discrimination in housingIntroduction summarising the main themes in discrimination in housing.Identifying discriminationWhat are the different types of discrimination?Taking actionCommon situations

Managing your mortgageHow to sort out your mortgage problemsWhat happens when your mortgage lender takes you to courtYour mortgage lender takes you to court – how to prepare for the court hearingEviction for mortgage arrears

Shelter

Shelter advice and support services across the UK give people one-to-one, personalised help with all of their housing issues. Its free emergency helpline is open 365 days a year and is often the first port of call for people facing a housing crisis.

You can find expert information about everything from reclaiming your deposit to applying as homeless, and you can talk to an adviser over webchat. Its solicitors provide free legal advice and attend court to help people who’ve lost their homes or are facing eviction.

Nightstop

Nightstop provides free overnight accommodation in the home of a volunteer. You get a private room, a hot meal and access to washing and laundry facilities. You can use the service for up to 3 weeks and may be housed with the same host or different hosts. Nightstop is for young people aged 16 to 25, who’ve become homeless suddenly and need a place to stay because, for example:

you’ve been kicked out of your home

you’ve fallen out with a family member and are unable to stay with them

you’re fleeing domestic abuse

Different nightstop schemes have different rules about who they’ll accept. For example, some will only accept applicants who don’t have a history of violent or anti-social behaviour, a drug or alcohol problem or a health problem they can’t support.

The first Nightstop opened in 1987 in Leeds and there is now a network of 33 Nightstops around the UK.

No place like home

Despite changes in equality laws in recent years, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans*, Queer and Questioning (LGBT*Q) people still face discrimination across a range of public services, including social housing. However, little is really known about the needs and views of LGBT*Q residents who live in housing provided by a housing association or local authority.

This study was conducted to find out, commissioned by HouseProud and conducted as HomeSAFE (secure, accessible, friendly, equal) by researchers from the University of Surrey and Goldsmiths, University of London. Over 260 people participated, through a survey, focus groups and interviews.

SafetySafety was a real concern for residents. 78% of survey respondents felt they lived in a safe neighbourhood. However, 32% felt their neighbourhood was not a safe place to live as an LGBT*Q person; this was 60% amongst trans* respondents. In interviews/focus groups people spoke of disturbing experiences of harassment and hate crime.

NeighboursThis was an area of real concern for some residents. 34% of survey respondents were completely open with their neighbours about their sexual orientation, but 35% were not open at all. 36% reported that they were uncomfortable having neighbours in their home, a figure that rose to 91% for trans* individuals. Some residents spoke about harassment and abuse from neighbours, yet felt housing providers do not deal with it effectively.

Operatives21% of survey respondents reported that they were uncomfortable with repairs people entering their home and 24% their landlord.

Self-censoringAlthough a minority, a significant number of residents change their home environment in some way before people enter it to conceal their gender identity or sexuality. For example, moving pictures, books, DVDs. This was more common amongst gay men than other groups. 20% of gay men responded that they did this ‘always’ or ‘most of the time’ when being visited by their landlord or a repairs person. We found that women were less likely to let people into their home, but men were more likely to self-censor it. Overall, there is a strong degree of hypervigilance on the part of LGBT*Q residents.

Extract courtesy ofKing, A., Stoneman, P and Sanders, F (2018) ‘No Place like Home? Exploring the concerns, preferences and experiences of LGBT*Q social housing residents. Findings from the 2017 HouseProud HomeSAFE study’. University of Surrey, Guildford.

In 1920, Sigmund Freud wrote of a lesbian patient whose father wanted to see her converted to heterosexuality. Freud echoed modern psychologists by responding that changing sexual orientation was difficult and unlikely. Offering to see the woman, Freud later broke off the therapy due to her hostility. In 1935, Freud went even further, writing to a woman who wanted her homosexual son converted that homosexuality “is nothing to be ashamed of, no vice, no degradation; it cannot be classified as an illness.”

What is conversion therapy?

Conversion therapy is any form of so-called treatment which attempts to change sexual orientation or reduce attraction to others of the same sex. It’s pseudoscientific practice based on a theory and assumptions that being lesbian, gay, bi or trans is a mental illness that can be cured.

Because conversion therapy is not a mainstream psychological treatment, there are no professional standards or guidelines for how it is conducted. Early treatments in the 1960s and 70s included aversion therapy, such as shocking patients or giving them nausea-inducing drugs while showing them same-sex erotica, according to a 2004 article in the British Medical Journal.

It’s difficult to find ANY reliable evidence that sexual orientation can be changed and medical bodies warn that conversion therapy practices are ineffective and seriously harmful. Nevertheless, its advocates provide anecdotal reports and stories of so-called “ex-gays” claiming some (a degree) of success in becoming heterosexual.

In the US, Joseph Nicolosi, Sr (now deceased) claimed to have “assisted hundreds of clients with their goal to reduce their same-sex attractions and explore their heterosexual potential.” Thankfully, no one as high profile in the UK has done likewise but it would be foolish to think that the dark art of conversion therapy has been eradicated here.

In the UK, all major counselling and psychotherapy bodies, as well as the NHS, have concluded that conversion therapy is dangerous and have condemned it.

“David Matheson said he regrets perpetuating the idea that being gay is a disorder. “It is horrifying to think that I was part of a system that held people like me down,” he said. One of the leading figures of the controversial ‘gay cure’ therapy movement in America made headlines all around the world last week when he publicly came out as gay. In an exclusive interview with Channel 4 News, David Matheson, 57, admitted the practise which nearly 700,000 Americans have undergone, is not only built on a harmful philosophy, but should be banned.” Channel 4 News

Homophobia

Homophobia

Homophobia is the active targeting of lesbians and gay men based on ignorance, fear and prejudice. It is rooted in simplistic and stereotypical views of what people from the LGBT community are. It can take the form of verbal abuse, physical violence, or attacks in the press or media. It humiliates, degrades, intimidates, insults, excludes, silences or harms us on the basis of our actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.

Homo: a group (genus) of primates that includes modern humans (Homo sapiens)Phobia: an overwhelming and unreasonable fear of a person, object or situation that poses little real danger but provokes anxiety and avoidance.

The term homophobia was coined in the late 1960s by psychologist George Weinberg. Weinberg used homophobia to label heterosexuals’ dread of being in close quarters with homosexuals as well as homosexuals’ self loathing. The word first appeared in print in 1969 and was subsequently discussed at length in Weinberg’s 1972 book, Society and the Healthy Homosexual

This is how homophobia feels in 2018 | The Social BBC Scotland | 9 Apr 2018 | 4m 17s
Two men hold hands in a public place, but even in 2018, something’s not quite right. Time For Love explores homophobia in modern society, and also the concept of normality. Do the pressures of convention turn us against one another? Is love the price?

Writing about this here isn’t easy for us, especially if think you might be gay or are thinking about coming out. Equally, it would be wrong to sugar-coat something when the truth is that not everybody likes us. And they can be pretty mean about us!

Without losing sight of the extraordinary strides made though civil partnerships, gay marriage and the Equality Act 2010, scratch the surface and homophobia is alive and well in the UK, some might say rife, once you leave the relative ‘safety’ of larger UK cities.

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t come out, but just because your favourite celeb is out, and guys on YouTube say it’s OK to be gay, doesn’t necessarily make your journey easier. Most gay men understand what it is like to be discriminated against because of their sexuality. We grow up in a world where heterosexuality is the assumed norm and anything different is often considered unnatural or perverted. Even when friends and families give us love and support, we are usually aware of others who don’t or won’t.

Outside the UK the EU LGBT Survey 2013 makes for worrying reading. Further afield, Russia continues to crack down on homosexuality, Isis perpetuate murderous punishments for people who are gay, and there over 70 countries around the world where homosexuality is illegal.

Drag queen and gay rights activist Panti Bliss (aka Rory O’Neill) gave a barnstorming performance at the Abbey Theatre, Dublin at an event to protest at the treatment of debate around homophobia on Radio and Television of Ireland (RTE). Panti Bliss, Ireland [Abbey Theatre] 2 Feb 2014 | 10m47s

Internalised homophobia

Internalised homophobia

As we grow up, we are exposed to, learn, and taught society’s ideas, values, and boundaries.

This can include unplesant stuff and negativity about same-sex attraction, homosexuality, and that not being heterosexual is somehow ‘wrong’, ‘immoral’, ‘evil’, ‘sick’, ‘bad’, ‘twisted’, and ‘something to be ashamed of’.

Mainly when we younger, we often accept (at face value) our parent’s beliefs, prevailing attitudes in the community, and religious and faith teachings. We may be influenced by the views of friends and work colleagues and, anti-gay laws are still being passed by governments, around the world.

It’s not difficult to turn this negative stuff inwards, absorbing it into ourselves, believing it to be true. This can lead to feelings of self-hatred, self-loathing, and disgust which can have damaging and lasting consequences.

This is ‘internalised homophobia’ also known as ‘internalised oppression’, and affects and harms people from across the LGBT+ spectrum.

Some experience internal conflicts (which can last for years) over feelings of sexual attraction, a desire to be ‘normal’, that they should be ‘normal’ and heterosexual. Some people try to bury or reject their sexuality altogether.

Internalised homophobia gets in the way of having a fulfilling personal life (especially if you are already in a same-sex relationship), can mess with your work life, lowering and crushing self-esteem which leads to anxiety and depression.

“Gay people are not the only ones to suffer such shame, but experts, both gay and straight, agree that gay kids are overwhelmed with it. Many of us grow up, come out and have wonderful and happy lives. For others, the journey can be rockier. Many bury their feelings, hoping they’ll go away, some psychologically “split”, like the heterosexually married men who believe anonymous internet hook-ups don’t count as gay if they happen in secret. Just this week I met a young man who told me he hated gay pride, hated effeminate men but crucially was trying to work through these feelings by talking about them. The gay community doesn’t talk about this enough, and when we do it’s often with judgment.”

Hate crime

Hate incidents and hate crime

Hate incidents and hate crime are acts of hostility or violence directed at people because of who they are or who someone thinks they are.

The police and Crown Prosecution Service have agreed a common definition of hate incidents. They say something is a hate incident if the victim or anyone else think it was motivated by hostility or prejudice based on:

disability

race

religion

transgender identity

sexual orientation

This means that if you believe something is a hate incident it should be recorded as such by the person to whom you are reporting it. All police forces record hate incidents based on these five personal characteristics.

Examples of hate incidents:

verbal abuse like name-calling and offensive jokes

harassment

bullying or intimidation by children, adults, neighbours or strangers

physical attacks such as hitting, punching, pushing, spitting

threats of violence

hoax calls, abusive phone or text messages, hate mail

online abuse; eg: Gaydar, Grindr, Facebook, Twitter

displaying or circulating discriminatory literature or posters

harm or damage to things such as your home, pet, vehicle

graffiti

arson

malicious complaints, for example over parking, smells or noise.

Examples of hate incidentsView Less

Hate crime against LGBT people in Britain increases by 78 per centsince 2013 | Stonewall
Based on YouGov polling of over 5,000 LGBT people. Click link below for full report.

Hate crime: One in five LGBT people (21 per cent) have experienced a hate crime or incident due to their sexual orientation and/or gender identity in the last 12 months

The number of lesbian, gay and bi people in Britain who have experienced hate crime has increased by 78 per cent in five years, from nine per cent in 2013 to 16 per cent in 2017

Two in five trans people (41 per cent) have experienced a hate crime or incident because of their gender identity in the last 12 months

Four in five LGBT people (81 per cent) who experienced a hate crime or incident didn’t report it to the police

Youth: 33 per cent of 18 to 24-year-old lesbian gay and bi people and over half (56 per cent) of trans young people of the same age, having experienced a hate crime or incident in the last 12 months. Just 12 per cent of these people report it to the police.

BAME*: A third of black, Asian and minority ethnic LGBT people (34 per cent) have experienced a hate crime or incident based on their sexual orientation and/or gender identity in the last 12 months, compared to 20 per cent of white LGBT people

Religion: LGBT people of a non-Christian faith were more likely to have experienced hate crime or incident than LGBT people in general, with almost a third (30 per cent) experiencing this in the last 12 months

Disability: LGBT disabled people are more likely to have experienced a hate crime or incident based on their sexual orientation and/or gender identity: 27 per cent in the last year compared to 17 per cent of non-disabled LGBT people

Safety in public: Three in ten LGBT people (29 per cent) avoid certain streets because they do not feel safe there as an LGBT person. More than a third of LGBT people (36 per cent) don’t feel comfortable walking down the street while holding their partner’s hand. This increases to three in five gay men (58 per cent).

Housing: One in ten LGBT people looking to rent or buy a home in the last 12 months were discriminated against. This increased to one in four (25 per cent) trans people and almost one in four (24 per cent) black, Asian or minority ethnic (BAME) LGBT people

Bars and restaurants: One in six LGBT people (17 per cent) have been discriminated against because of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity when visiting a café, restaurant, bar or nightclub in the last year. A third of LGBT people (33 per cent) avoid certain bars and restaurants due to fear of discrimination. This number significantly increases for trans people, half of whom (51 per cent) avoid certain venues.

* black, Asian and minority ethnic (used in the UK to refer to people who are not white) synonym BME Around 20% of the teachers are from BAME backgrounds.

When is a hate incident also a hate crime?

When hate incidents become criminal offences they are known as hate crimes – a criminal who breaks the law. Any criminal offence can be a hate crime if it was carried out because of hostility or prejudice based on disability, race, religion, transgender identity or sexual orientation. When something is classed as a hate crime, the judge can impose a tougher sentence on the offender under the Criminal Justice Act 2003.

Incidents which are based on other personal characteristics, such as age and belonging to an alternative subculture, are not considered to be hate crimes under the law. You can still report these, but they will not be prosecuted specifically as hate crimes by the police and the Crown Prosecution Service.

Examples of hate crimes

assaults

verbal abuse or threats

criminal damage

harassment

murder

sexual assault

theft

fraud

burglary

hate mail (Malicious Communications Act 1988)

causing harassment, alarm or distress (Public Order Act 1988).

Examples of hate crimesView Less

What can you do about a hate incident or crime?

If you’ve experienced a hate incident or crime you can report it to the police. You can also report a hate incident or crime even if it wasn’t directed at you. For example, you could be a friend, neighbour, family member, support worker or simply a passer-by.

When reporting the incident or crime you should say whether you think it was because of disability, race, religion, transgender identity, sexual orientation or a combination of these things. This is important because it makes sure the police record it as a hate incident or crime.

You may be unsure whether the incident is a criminal offence, or you may think it’s not serious enough to be reported. However, if you are distressed and want something done about what happened, it’s always best to report it. Although the police can only charge and prosecute someone when the law has been broken, there are other things the police can do to help you deal with incident.

It’s also important to keep in mind that some hate crimes start as smaller incidents which may escalate into more serious and frequent attacks – so it’s always best to act early.

If you’re being repeatedly harassed, should you report all the incidents?

If you’ve experienced hate crime, it may have been just one isolated incident. But sometimes, you may be repeatedly harassed by the same person or group of people. It’s best to report all the hate incidents you experience to help the police get the full picture. If you’re in this situation, it may be a good idea to keep a record of the incidents to help you when you contact the police.

LGBT+ Advisory Group

Voluntary group of independent lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) advisors working with the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) at New Scotland Yard. Advises on and monitor police issues that affect LGBT people who live in, work in, study in or are visiting London. Initially the Group was only invited to advise the Racial and Violent Crime Task Force (CO24), now the Diversity and Citizen Focus Directorate (DCFD). However as the quality of its advice has been recognised, the Group increasingly invited to participate in a wide range of strategy and policy work.

A rising number of reports (red line for 2018 is clearly highest) but falling sanction detection (red line is lowest). This erodes community confidence and this is already seen in low satisfaction levels recorded by the Metropolitan Police Service.

17-24-30 no to hate crime campaign

17-24-30 represents the combined dates of the London nail bomb attacks on Brixton, Brick Lane and Soho which took place on the 17th, 24th and 30th April 1999. Its primary aim is to organise and facilitate the April Acts of Remembrance #AAR to mark the anniversaries of the attacks on Brixton, Brick Lane and Soho, and National Hate Crime Awareness Week #NHCAW in October.

17-24-30’s secondary aim is to spread a message of H.O.P.E. across the UK and beyond to encourage local authorities (including councils and police services), key partners and communities affected by hate crime to work together.

SERIAL KILLERS AND MURDERERS

Serial killers

Over several decades, three serial killers have raped and murdered gay men in the UK: Dennis Nilsen (1978-1983), Colin Ireland (1993), and Stephen Port (2012- 2015). While David Copeland (1999) does not fit the criteria of a serial killer, he was responsible for the 1999 London nail bombings which included the Admiral Duncan pub in Soho, London where three people were killed and a total of seventy-nine were injured, many of them seriously.

Outside the UK, Canada recently sentenced Bruce McArthur accused of killing and dismembering eight men between 2010 and 2017. In the USA, Jeffrey Dahmer murdered 17 males between 1978 and 1991. Dahmer was captured in 1991 and sentenced to 16 life terms. He was killed by fellow prison inmate Christopher Scarver in 1994.

A serial killer is typically a person who murders three or more people, usually in service of abnormal psychological gratification, with the murders taking place over more than a month and including a significant period of time between them. Different authorities apply different criteria when designating serial killers and, wgile most set a threshold of three murders, others extend it to four or lessen it to two.

For example, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) defines serial killing as “a series of two or more murders, committed as separate events, usually, but not always, by one offender acting alone”.

Nilsen was sentenced to life imprisonment on 4 November 1983, convicted at the Old Bailey of 6 counts of murder and 2 of attempted murder. With a recommendation that he serve a minimum of 25 years, he was incarcerated at Full Sutton maximum security prison in his later years. He became known as the Muswell Hill Murderer as he committed his later murders in Muswell Hill, in north London.

David Copeland (1999)

The 1999 London nail bombings were a series of bomb explosions in London. Over three successive weekends between 17 and 30 April 1999, homemade nail bombs were detonated respectively in Brixton, south London; Brick Lane in the East End; and in The Admiral Duncan pub in Soho in the West End.

On 2 May, the Metropolitan Police Anti-Terrorist Branch charged 22-year-old David Copeland with murder. Copeland, who became known as the “London nail bomber”, was a Neo-Nazi militant and a former member of two far-right political groups, the British National Party and then the National Socialist Movement.

The bombings were aimed at London’s Black, Bengali and gay communities. He was convicted of murder in 2000 and given six concurrent life sentences.

17-24-30 represents the combined dates of the London nail bomb attacks on Brixton, Brick Lane and Soho which took place on the 17th, 24th and 30th April 1999. Its primary aim is to organise and facilitate the April Acts of Remembrance #AAR to mark the anniversaries of the attacks on Brixton, Brick Lane and Soho, and National Hate Crime Awareness Week #NHCAW in October.

Bullying

Bullying in school

While this section focuses on people in school or college, bullying still occurs in the workplace and other settings.

Bullying can cause long-lasting damage to young people and badly affects the schools and colleges that take no measures to tackle it. Homophobia can affect any pupil or student, whether they are lesbian, gay, bisexual or straight, and this form of bullying can be especially confusing, vicious, isolating, and life-changing.

All schools have a duty of care to ensure the safety of, and to protect the emotional well being of, every person in their care. Schools need to be aware of the homophobia endemic in British schools, and its effects on learning, health, and self-esteem. Anti-bullying activities can improve pupils’ behaviour, social relationships, and level of academic achievement.

STONEWALL

Stonewall

“We’re here to let all lesbian, gay, bi and trans people, here and abroad, know they’re not alone. We believe we’re stronger united, so we partner with organisations that help us create real change for the better. We have laid deep foundations across Britain – in some of our greatest institutions – so our communities can continue to find ways to flourish, and individuals can reach their full potential. We’re here to support those who can’t yet be themselves. But our work is not finished yet. Not until everyone feels free to be who they are, wherever they are.” [Stonewall]
Stonewall | Stonewall 192 St John Street, | London, EC1V 4JY | 020 7593 1850

Stonewall commissioned YouGov to carry out a survey asking more than 5,000 lesbian, gay, bi and trans (LGBT) people across England, Scotland and Wales about their life in Britain today. This report, the first of a series based on the research, investigates their experiences of homophobic, biphobic and transphobic hate crimes and day-to-day discrimination. The study looks at these hate crimes and if they have been reported or not. It also looks at discrimination LGBT people face in their daily lives, for example when they walk down the street, when visiting shops and cafes, when accessing public services or when trying to rent a new home.

Decriminalisation of homosexuality

Partial decriminalisation of homosexuality

2017 marked 50 years since the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality which some might regard as a blip within the timeline of LGBT+ history in the United Kingdom which can be traced back to Roman times.

Depending which decade you were born into, it’s likely you will view the 50th milestone differently. Some are ‘grateful, others ‘remembered’ while others still ‘marked’ and ‘celebrated’. However, Owen Jones’s piece “Hatred of LGBTQ people still infects society. It’s no time to celebrate” is also on point.

On the back of legal equality, an equal age of consent for sex, civil partnerships, and gay marriage it’s not difficult to think that the battles have been won. They are not and, without throwing the non-binary baby out with the bath water, we would do well to remember this.

“Anger, searing fury, not gratitude: that’s how the 50th anniversary of the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in England and Wales should be marked. That we are no longer legally persecuted in this country – and that we are less hated and judged than we were – is not something to be thankful for. Gaining treatment others take for granted is not some special gift: equality is not a privilege.

Gratitude implies that the state eventually buckling to the demands of LGBTQ people represented some sort of sacrifice on the part of our persecutors. Legal rights were won by LGBTQ people who were spat at, reviled by the press, demonised by large swaths of the public, persecuted by the law, incarcerated, chemically castrated and driven to suicide.”

Mental health matters

Mental health matters

SIGMA RESEARCH

Sigma Research

Sigma Research is a social research group specialising in the behavioural and policy aspects of HIV and sexual health. It also undertakes research and development work on aspects of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) health and well-being. While this section concentrates on the Gay Men’s Sex Survey (1993-to date), Sigma’s research covers a wide range of issues affecting gay men and you are encouraged to explore their website.

Gay Men’s Sex Survey

In 1993, Sigma Research carried out an on-the-spot survey of men attending the London Lesbian and Gay Pride festival, instigating an annual survey that has grown to be the largest in the world and an institution on the UK summer gay scene. The National Gay Men’s Sex Survey (GMSS), also known as Vital Statistics, has occurred 17 times in the 24 years since and now recruits exclusively online.

The content of the survey is developed in collaboration with health promoters, within the framework of Making it Count The questions cover a range of demographics, health indicators, sexual behaviours, HIV prevention needs, use of settings in which health promotion can occur and recognition of national interventions. The weight given to each area varies each year, and the data collected is treated as cumulative, building a detailed picture of gay men and bisexual men and HIV over time.

LGBT+ rights

LGBT rights

Though there has been progress in the past 50 years or so for LGBT people around the world, it remains a divisive, religious, and political issue. While some countries have decriminalised homosexuality, outlawed homophobic hate crimes and over 20 countries recognise same-sex marriage; others are becoming increasingly oppressive, and brutal, like Chechnya. Having sex with someone of the same sex remains illegal in over 70 countries, and punishable by death in 10. We’ve pulled together a number of organisations working to promote equality, though it’s worth remembering that LGBT human rights campaigners risk violence, discrimination, and arrest.

Amnesty International UK

Amnesty International UK works to protect men, women and children wherever justice, freedom, truth and dignity are denied. As a global movement of over seven million people, Amnesty International is the world’s largest grassroots human rights organisation. It investigates and exposes abuses, educates and mobilises the public, and helps transform societies to create a safer, more just world. It has received the Nobel Peace Prize for its life-saving work.

We all have the right to be treated as equals, regardless of our gender identity or sexuality. But being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual or intersex is a crime in many countries around the world.

Human Rights Watch

Human Rights Watch (HRW) is a non-profit, non-governmental human rights organisation made up of roughly 400 staff members around the globe. Its staff consists of human rights professionals including country experts, lawyers, journalists, and academics of diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Established in 1978, HRW is known for its accurate fact-finding, impartial reporting, effective use of media, and targeted advocacy, often in partnership with local human rights groups. Each year, HRW publishes more than 100 reports and briefings on human rights conditions in some 90 countries, generating extensive coverage in local and international media.

Human Dignity Trust

The goal of the Human Dignity Trust is to ensure that international human rights laws which prohibit the criminalisation of private consensual same-sex sexual conduct are respected and applied across the world so that people’s human dignity, privacy and equality are not violated.

The Trust does not campaign; it works using international law and plans to facilitate test case litigation in those jurisdictions that continue to criminalise homosexuality.

At any one time we aim to have between 5 and 10 cases before national courts and international tribunals. This work is endorsed by many of the world´s leading human rights lawyers and jurists, some of whom are involved as our patrons, trustees and supporters.

ILGA is a worldwide federation of more than 1,200 member organisations from 132 countries campaigning for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex rights. Established in 1978, ILGA enjoys consultative status at the UN ECOSOC Council. It publishes an annual world report and a map on legislation criminalising or protecting people on the basis of their sexual orientation or recognising their relationships.

Peter Tatchell Foundation (PTF)

Seeks to promote and protect the human rights of individuals, communities and nations, in the UK and internationally, in accordance with established national and international human rights law.

The PTF seeks to raise awareness, understanding, protection and implementation of human rights, in the UK and worldwide. This involves research, education, advice, casework, publicity and advocacy for the enforcement and furtherance of human rights law. They have charitable objectives and provide public benefit.

Equaldex

Collaborative knowledge base for the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) movement. The site aims to crowdsource every law related to LGBT rights to provide a comprehensive and global view of the LGBT rights movement.

Global Voices

Border-less, largely volunteer community of more than 1,400 writers, analysts, on-line media experts, and translators. It curates, verifies and translates trending news and stories that you might be missing on the Internet, from blogs, independent press and social media in 167 countries. Many of the world’s most interesting and important stories aren’t in just one place. Sometimes they’re scattered in bits and pieces across the Internet, in blog posts and tweets, and in multiple languages. These are the stories on which Global Voices accurately report, and translate into more than 40 languages.

Age of consent

Age of consent

The age of consent in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland is 16 regardless of sexual orientation or gender. The age of consent in Ireland is 17. The age of consent in other EU countries varies.

It’s barely been 50 years since the Sexual Offences Act (1967) decriminalised sex between two consenting males, as long as those involved were aged 21 or over.

By 1984, many European countries had reduced the age of consent for homosexual acts to 16, but it remained at 21 in the United Kingdom. Having only been decriminalised in 1967, the wording of the legislation to decriminalise also included wording that placed restrictions such as making illegal the use of a hotel room for sex. Against this background, the Age of Consent was a seminal and debut album by Bronski Beat (Steve Bronski, Larry Steinbachek and Jimmy Somerville) released on London Records on 15 October 1984.

On the cusp of the AIDS epidemic, Jimmy Sommerville appearing in Top Of The Pops 1984 was a light in a dark time for gay rights with Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988 passed a few years later. It stated that a local authority “shall not intentionally promote homosexuality or publish material with the intention of promoting homosexuality” or “promote the teaching in any maintained school of the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship”.

The No Outsiders programme aims to teach children about the characteristics protected by the Equality Act – such as sexual orientation and religion. Books used in programme include stories about a dog that doesn’t feel like it fits in, two male penguins that raise a chick together and a boy who likes to dress up like a mermaid. But some parents at Parkfield Community School in Birmingham say lessons featuring books depicting same-sex relationships are not age-appropriate and the lessons have currently been put on hold.

European Forum of LGBT Christian Groups | European Forum of LGBT Christian Groups
Ecumenical association of LGBT Christian Groups in EuropeILGA (International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association) | ILGA
World federation of national and local organisations dedicated to achieving equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) people. Inclusive and Affirming Ministries (IAM) | IAM
Vision of faith communities in Africa that are welcoming and affirming; where LGBT people can participate fully and be strengthened in their spiritual, psychological and sexual identity as human beings.Metropolitan Community Churches | Metropolitan Community Churches
Inclusive denomination with a network of affiliated churches worldwide. Their website contains a comprehensive database of contact details for inclusive churches in every region of the world.Three Faiths Forum | Three Faiths Forum
Creates spaces in schools, universities, and the wider community where people can engage with questions of belief and identity and meet people different from themselves.

LGBT news aggregates

LGBT fluffier stuff

Vlogs

Vlogs

Researching content we’ve stumbled across some great vlogs. While some are sweet or self-indulgent and/ or shouty others are more thoughtful, inclusive and a testament to how far we have come in recent years. So, here are a handful of vlogs that have caught our eye. If you don’t like them type ‘gay vlogs’ into YouTube and find your own.

From late 2017, we stopped updating vlogs. Some have morphed into sales-reps, others are more interested in selling you an underwear range or grooming regime than providing an authentic insight into the lives they share with followers. While many vlogs remain inspirational, they are harder to find these days. We’re probably being a bit grouchy but the vlogs listed here should provide a springboard from where you can explore.

LGBT or LGBTQIAABAACG

LGBT or LGBTQIAABAACG

The initials LGBT stand for lesbian,gay, bisexual, and transgender or transsexual. and are intended to emphasise inclusion and a diversity of sexuality and gender identity-based cultures. Or, to put it another way, anyone who is not straight (heterosexual).

The term LGBT is also an update of LGB (lesbian, gay and bisexual) and usually the preferred term when referring to our community (though there is also disagreement by LGBT people about this). Before we were called gay, the term homosexual was, and to some extent still is, used. Before that we called pansies, queers, and deviants, for example.

More recently, the letter ‘Q’ is sometimes added for those who identify as queer or those who are questioning their sexuality. People also define themselves as intersex or asexual so we need at add an ‘I’ and an ‘A’.

This is perfectly understandable though we are running the risk of becoming LGBTQIA, or is it LGBTIQA? And what about our gay rights allies, should it then be LGBTQIAA? And how do we include those who define themselves as bigender,androgyne,agender,cisgender. and genderqueer. We’re not making light, but nor are we going to use LGBTQIAABAACG at MEN R US. Instead we are going to use LGBT+ unless someone has a better (and practical) idea. And, yes, we love everybody!

QTIBPOC and QPOC

QTIBPOC and QPOC

Terminology and definitions to describe different LGBT+ groups of people are constantly evolving. LGB to LGBT to LGBT+ and LGBTQIA being an example. MEN R US is a gay men’s health organisation and somtimes we arrive late finding out about and understanding new terms, accronyms, and abbreviations. But, from what we can gather, QPOC and QTIBPOC have emerged over the past year or two from these communities. Although the aim is to become inclusive and representative, it’s not always immediately obvious what these more newly evolved terms mean. Here are three defininitions:

“QTIBPOC : An acronym used to abbreviate Queer Trans Intersex Black People & People of Colour, a specific ID that describes people who have heritages from continents of Africa, Asia, and Indigenous people of the Americas and Australia, and are invested in Queer politics and organising.”QTIBPOC | Purple Rain Collective

“An acronym for Queer People Of Colour. Another term used is QTIPOC (Queer, Transgender, and Intersex People of Colour). Queer people of colour often experience intersecting oppressions on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation and other factors.”QPOC | Qmunity

“An abbreviation for Queer & Trans People of Color and Queer & Trans Women of Color. These terms are rooted in the concept of intersectionality—which focuses on the intersections and interactions between various forms & systems of oppression, including: Racism, Classism, Heterosexism, Patriarchy, Religious Oppression, etc. A QTPOC framework attunes itself to the lives, challenges, and needs of people who experience these compounded and/or interlocking oppressions.”QTPOC/ QTWOC | County of San Mateo: LGBTQ Commission

Increasing the visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (“LGBT”) people, their history, lives and their experiences in the curriculum and culture of educational and other institutions, and the wider community

Raising awareness and advancing education on matters affecting the LGBT community

Working to make educational and other institutions safe spaces for all LGBT communities

Promoting the welfare of LGBT people, by ensuring that the education system recognises and enables LGBT people to achieve their full potential, so they contribute fully to society and lead fulfilled lives, thus benefiting society as a whole.

MAKING LGBT HISTORY (US)

Making LGBT history

Making Gay History brings the voices of queer history to life through intimate conversations with LGBTQ champions, heroes, and witnesses to history. Since 2016, Making Gay History has been bringing the largely hidden (US) history of the LGBTQ civil rights movement to life through the voices of the people who lived it.

The Making Gay History podcast mines Eric Marcus’s decades old audio archive of rare interviews — conducted for his award-winning oral history of the LGBTQ civil rights movement — to create intimate, personal portraits of both known and long-forgotten champions, heroes, and witnesses to history.

Labels

Labels

We often use labels because they fit and better connect us with others like us. For example, “I’m a gay man”, “I’m a bear” or “I’m part of the LGBT community” Others find them rigid and fixed, preferring instead to self-identify as queer, or pansexual, for example, or refuse to be labelled at all. We’ve also more about labels and types in MEN.

Society is often quick to lump everyone who is not heterosexual under a ‘homosexual’, ‘gay’ or ‘LGBT’ banner. By adhering to society’s labels one tends to think of these terms of having to be this or that, one thing or the other, leaving other people out in the cold.

Cut out the labels

The thing about labels is that you cut them out and replace them with your own. What you call yourself is up to you. The important thing is that you choose what feels comfortable for you. There is a growing movement of people who refuse to be labelled and are striking out to define themselves on their own terms. Having said that, society feels safer by putting people in boxes (for all sorts of things) so while you may not want a label it can be a struggle defining yourself to others.

Reduced to one thing

There’s also something to be said about being reduced to one thing, and few if any of us like this. Gay men, particularly, are often reduced to sexually transmitted infections, sexual acts, or hedonism when, in fact, we are (of course) so much more. It’s one of the reasons why we built this website; being gay is an important part of who we are but it’s not all that we are.

People, the media especially, will define us in whatever ways are convenient and easy, often at the expense of accuracy and recognising our individuality. While some of us may be gay, lesbian, bi or trans (or whatever we choose to call ourselves) we are also parents, workers, learners and explorers. At times we feel indignant, other times we shrug and realise that’s just the way it is, but there are other times when we’re actually quite pissed off!

Symbols and signs

Signs and symbols

Over many years, lesbian and gay communities around the world have used symbols to identify who we are. Often worn as badges and displayed as flags, some of the better known symbols include the rainbow flag, the pink triangle, the lambda and gender symbols. Probably the most recognisable symbol today is the rainbow flag, but other symbols have been an integral part of our history in the fight for recognition and equality. While the red ribbon is not a symbol of being gay, many gay men wear it, which is why it is interpreted by some as an indication that the wearer is gay; this is not necessarily so. This section is by no means exhaustive, in fact it’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Use of the rainbow flag by the gay community began in 1978 when San Francisco artist Gilbert Baker designed the rainbow flag in response to the need for a symbol that could be used year after year. The flags had eight stripes, each colour representing a component of the community: hot pink for sex, red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sun, green for nature, turquoise for art, indigo for harmony and violet for spirit. Due to production difficulties (hot pink was not commercially available), pink and turquoise were removed from the design, and royal blue replaced indigo. This six-colour version spread from San Francisco to other cities, and soon became the widely known symbol of gay pride and diversity that it is today. If you’re looking for a gay venue, a flag above the door is a welcome signpost.

The history of the pink triangle begins before WWII, during Hitler’s rise to power. Paragraph 175, a clause in German law, prohibited homosexual relationships. Convicted offenders were sent to prison, and then later to concentration camps. Their punishment was to be sterilized, and this was most often accomplished by castration. In 1942, punishment for homosexuality was extended to death. Concentration camp prisoners each wore a coloured inverted triangle to designate the reason for their incarceration. Criminals wore a green triangle, political prisoners a red triangle, Jewish prisoners two overlapping yellow triangles (to form a Star of David) and the pink triangle was for homosexuals. Stories of the camps reveal that homosexual prisoners were given the worst tasks and were the focus of attacks by the guards and other inmates. Although homosexuals were only one of the many groups targeted for extermination by the Nazi regime, it is, unfortunately, our group that history often excludes.

Estimates of the number of gay men killed during the Nazi regime range from 50,000 to twice that figure. In the 1970s, gay liberation groups resurrected the pink triangle as a symbol for the gay rights movement. Not only is the symbol easily recognized, but it also draws attention to oppression and persecution – then and now. In the 1980s, ACT-UP (AIDS Coalition To Unleash Power) began using the pink triangle for their cause. They inverted the symbol, making it point up, to signify an active fight-back rather than a passive resignation to fate. Today, for many, the pink triangle represents pride, solidarity, and a promise to never allow another Holocaust to happen again.

The lambda symbol seems to be one of the most controversial of symbols, as regards its meaning. However, most sources agree on a few things: the lambda was first chosen as a gay symbol when it was adopted in 1970 by the New York Gay Activists Alliance. It became the symbol of their growing movement for gay liberation. In 1974, the lambda was adopted by the International Gay Rights Congress in Edinburgh, Scotland.

As their symbol for lesbian and gay rights, the lambda became internationally popular. However, no one seems to have a definitive answer as to why the lambda was originally chosen as a gay symbol. Some suggest that it is the Greek lower-case letter for ‘liberation’, others cite its use in physics to denote energy, eg: the energy we have when we work harmoniously. It’s also thought to mean a ‘wavelength’, eg: gays and lesbians on a different wavelength. Lambda may also denote the synergy of the gay movement, the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

The lambda may also represent scales and balance, and the constant force that keeps opposing sides from overcoming each other. The ancient Greek Spartans regarded the lambda as meaning unity, while the Romans considered it “the light of knowledge shed into the darkness of ignorance”. Reportedly, Ancient Greeks placed the lambda on the shields of Spartan warriors, who were often paired off with younger men in battle. (There was a theory that warriors would fight more fiercely knowing that their lovers were both watching and fighting alongside them).

Gender symbols are common astrological signs handed down from ancient Roman times. Gay men have used double interlocking male symbols since the 1970s.

Double interlocking female symbols have often been used to denote lesbianism, but some feminists have instead used the double female symbols to represent the sisterhood of women. In the 1970s, gay liberation movements used the male and female symbols superimposed to represent the common goals of lesbians and gay men.

The red ribbon is a symbol of solidarity and of the commitment to the fight against HIV and AIDS. The Ribbon Project was conceived in 1991 by Visual AIDS, a New York-based charity group of art professionals that aims to recognize and honour friends and colleagues who have died or are dying of AIDS. The ribbon made its public debut at the 1991 Tony Awards, but since then – in some circles – has become a popular and politically correct fashion statement for celebrities at other awards ceremonies. Because of this popularity, some activists have rightly worried that the ribbon is simply paying lip service to AIDS causes. Nevertheless, it is a powerful symbol for all of us around the world, and a unifying symbol on World AIDS Day (1 December). Today, the red ribbon is an international symbol and, for many, stands for care, concern, hope and support.

LGBT forums and networks

LGBT Forums, groups and networks

Many towns, cities and authorities have some kind of group supporting LGBT people. Few are staffed and volunteers are their life blood, working tirelessly to raise LGBT issues and create a positive presence locally. If you can’t find a local presence, Meet Up may surprise you.

In Greater London, for instance, boroughs are supposed to have an LGBT Forum, a recommendation in the Lawrence Inquiry. The original idea of a Forum was to act as community liaison with the police to ensure adequate service provision and a breakdown of barriers on the reporting of hate crime.

Regularly updated, please contact us if you know of any groups or organisations not listed here.

LGBT arts

Theatre, cabaret and alternative

The theatre has always attracted those who have a flair for the fabulous and in recent years we’ve seen a real surge in ‘gay plays’ on both The West End and the fringe. If you’re looking to see more LGBT-themed shows then a good place to start is always with the established companies and theatres. Main theatres like to programme at least one gay-interest play a season (the pink pound is very lucrative after all) so a quick web-search for ‘LGBT shows in London’ will usually throw something up. Check out what The National Theatre has on or have a browse through the listings on What’s On Stage. There’s usually a tour of Pricilla or Cabaret showing somewhere nearby and through websites like lastminute.com you can often pick up a good deal on tickets to a lot of the main shows.

However, if you’re feeling brave and fancy venturing off the beaten track then there are some amazing fringe venues that programme gay work. Check out Above the Stag Theatre who are the only venue in London to programme purely LGBT-themed work. Also check out Duckie who do a weekly cabaret in Vauxhall showcasing all things queer and quirky as well as creating big, interactive shows like the recent Border Force which looked at queer perceptions around the world. These companies are a little harder to find but once you track them down you begin to notice others like them popping up all around you.

The beauty of fringe compared to some of the more mainstream shows is that fringe is often smaller scale and less-worried about profit margins thus is often more avant guarde and ‘out there’. Although, by the same token, there are some truly terrible plays out there which you will probably want to avoid with a barge-pole. It all depends on how much of a risk you want to take with something you haven’t heard of before. Sometimes there’s nothing wrong with sticking to an old classic like Rocky Horror where you know what to expect and you know it will be fabulous!

Here’s a a compilation of clips of Regina Fong at the Black Cap Camden, London, a taste of what nights were about in the 80s, 90s and 00s at venues such as the Black Cap, the RVT, Central Station, the White Swan and the Two Brewers. Also on the circuit at the time were Lily Savage, Adrella, Dockyard Doris, Millie Mopp, Maisie Troillette, to name but a few. Without taking anything away from the up-and-coming generation of drag and queer artists, is it sooo bad to look back some of those who trail blazed and on whose bouffant hair they stand today?

Film

In the first 50 years of world cinema only a small number of films took homosexuality as a primary theme. The landmark is Richard Oswald’s Different from the Others, made in Germany in 1919, and a huge box office success during a very liberated period of sexual liberation made possible by the pioneering work of the sexologist Magnus Hirschfeld. With the rise of Nazi Germany, the film was banned and only fragments of the film survive.

It was during the 1920s/early 30s that world cinema films in general could be open about gay sexuality, and it is worth checking out the opening of Wonder Bar (1934, dir. Lloyd Bacon) with two men dancing together (choreographer. Busby Berkeley). The Motion Picture Production Code known as the Hays Code was introduced in 1934 and gay sexuality became invisible on screen unless suggested by coded reference. Experimental films including Kenneth Anger’s Fireworks (1947), Jean Genet’s Un Chant D’armour (1950) and the Athletic Model Guild physique films of Richard Loncraine (early 1950s) became the only real sources of gay imagery. The code as applied in the UK ended in 1961 and Basil Dearden’s Victim, with Dirk Bogarde, became the first film to dare speak of the love-with-no-name in a ground-breaking study of a married man blackmailed over his sexual relationship with a younger man.

With flood gates partially opened, the work of Andy Warhol, eg: Blow Job (1964) and films including Sebastiane (1976, dir. Derek Jarman), Cruising (1980, dir. William Friedkin), Maurice (1987, dir. James Ivory), Beautiful Thing (1996, dir. Hettie Macdonald), Brokeback Mountain (2005, dir. Ang Lee) and Stranger by the Lake (2013, dir. by Alain Guiraudie) broadened the way gay film became accepted into mainstream UK Cinema release. Gay films often première at the annual BFI London Film Festival, or in the LGBT Flare Festival at the BFI on the South Bank in London.

The rise of explicit hardcore gay film also started in the early 70s with erotica by Wakefield Poole, Jean-Daniel Cadinot, Curt McDowell, Peter de Rome and Bruce la Bruce. Fred Halsted’s L.A. Plays Itself (1972) is credited as the first gay film to show fist fucking while A Night at Halsteds (1982) records the first jerk-off cum shot to be screened in a public cinema.

These films from the masters of erotica were released on VHS, paving the way for new generations of LGBT+ film makers and the digital revolution, which by 2000 included gay pornography on DVD and online streaming from the likes of Peccadillo Pictures, TLA Releasing, Amazon Netflix; and YouTube where you can watch many short films from gifted independent film makers and directors.

Peccadillo PicturesTLA ReleasingProwler Flare: London LGBT Film Festival (British Film Institute)British Film Institute Lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender-related films | WikipediaLesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender-related films by year | WikipediaLGBT characters in animation and graphic art | Wikipedia
Queer Images: A History of Gay and Lesbian Film in America 2005, H M Benshoff | Rowman and Littlefield From Thomas Edison’s first cinematic experiments to contemporary Hollywood blockbusters, Queer Images chronicles the representation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer sexualities over one hundred years of American film. The most up-to-date and comprehensive book of its kind, it explores not only the ever-changing images of queer characters onscreen, but also the work of queer filmmakers and the cultural histories of queer audiences. The Queer Encyclopedia of Film and Television 2005, C J Summers | Cleis Press From Hollywood films to TV soap operas, from Vegas extravaganzas to Broadway theater to haute couture, this comprehensive encyclopedia contains over 200 entries and 200 photos that document the irrepressible impact of queer creative artists on popular culture.Ultimate Guide to Lesbian & Gay Film and Video 1996, J Olson | Sepent’s Tail More than 2,000 entries, complemented with extensive film stills, short essays and reflections on the most important gay and lesbian films ever made highlight this encyclopedic reference. Includes a distributor and subject index, a directory of international gay and lesbian film festivals, and much more. Images in the Dark: An Encyclopedia of Gay and Lesbian Film and Video 1994, R Murray | TLA Publications This unique guide is a revealing, comprehensive and entertaining reference source that uncovers vast and previously unknown contributions by lesbians and gay men to the entertainment industry. With more than 3,000 reviews and 200 biographies, this encyclopedia is fully indexed and cross-referenced. Screening the Sexes: Homosexuality in the Movies 1972, P Tyler, A Sarris | Holt Rinehart and WinstonParker Tyler (1904-1974) was a noted American film critic, and this text is regarded as his most significant work. Devoted to homosexuality in films, it aims to look beyond the obvious and to observe the psychology of sex roles, at the same time recognising film as the realm of contemporary mythology. Tyler was once described as one of the most consistently interesting and provocative writers on film that America has produced, “well-informed and free of cant”.
Back to top

Poetry

The London LGBT poetry scene – amongst others around the UK – is as prolific and diverse as the LGBT community and, in recent years, poetry has steadily crept into its collective consciousness as accessible, entertaining, and social.

It has a myriad of styles, but is essentially creative writing that expresses the experience and lifestyle of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual persons in our society. Consequently it can be topical, inspiring, funny, heart/ gut wrenching, therapeutic… it can express anything and everything we ever wanted to say.

The formats of LGBT+ poetry events vary from open mike evenings, where anyone can have a go, to venues where some of the finest LGBT+ poets on the circuit strut their stuff. Events are performed at gay venues or gay-friendly straight venues with specific LGBT+ evenings.

GLAAD uses this yearly data to create a clearer picture of the stories and images being presented by television networks, and to work alongside the networks and content creators to tell fair, accurate, and inclusive LGBTQ stories on screen.

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

disable

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.